You've got the Cool Kids, Black Kids, Kid Sister, Cold War Kids, and now...No Kids. I saw No Kids open for the Dodos at Mercury Lounge on April 6th, and there was something about their music that made an impression on me. I kinda dig the minimalist R&B feel of their songs; the "less is more" concept is lost on many bands nowadays. From Vancouver, No Kids are a trio that is so indie that they don't even have a Wikipedia entry (But, there is one on P:ano, a past project of the members). Yes, they are really awkward on-stage, but it's all endearing. Nick Krgovich plays everything with intensity, especially when he's striking the triangle.
You can purchase Come Into My House here at Insound.com. No Kids are currently on tour with Dirty Projectors.
Give them a listen!
For Halloween - No Kids
The Beaches All Closed - No Kids
Bluster in the Air - No Kids
April 7, 2008
No Kids
The Dodos - Mercury Lounge 04.06.08
The Gothamist borrowed this photo. I'm quite flattered since I am not a photographer, and the LCD screen on my camera is broken. Someone at the show looked at the screen and laughed at me.
Trombone intro to "Fools."
Aside from Fleet Foxes, the Dodos are my favorite discovery of 2008. Last night's show at the Mercury Lounge was sold out and the venue was completely packed. AND, it was a Sunday night. I bought my tickets nice and early, because I suspected this show would eventually sell out. The post-SXSW hype surrounding the Dodos is exponentially growing. Also, I suspected that Pitchfork followers would be drawn to the show since Visiter had been listed as Best New Music. So, no surprise that Pitchfork was there last night. Again, I don't really agree with Pitchfork on a lot of things. But, they're sorta right about the Dodos in that they are awesome.
If I could describe the Dodos show in one word, it would "sweat." There was sweat everywhere. Sweat on Meric Long's guitar from his right strumming arm, sweat soaking Logan Kroeber's shirt, sweat dripping down my own face from dancing in close proximity to a lot of people. If you listen to the Dodos' music, it's not hard to see why performing is like an intense cardio workout for these guys. For one, as I mentioned before, Logan does not have a kick drum. Every single drum is on a stand. Watching him play was so jaw-dropping, because it was very apparent how hard it was to play the rhythms that he was pounding out. Even more incredible, his energy did not drop once throughout the entire show. On guitar, Meric Long was also playing fast patterns (Check out "Chickens"), along with some looping. He used three acoustic guitars, no picks. Halfway through the show, I started concentrating on his playing when I noticed that he had very long, acrylic nails on his right hand. I don't think I've ever seen that before, but I can see why they'd be useful for finger picking and strumming. After the show, I went to go shake his hand, but he didn't offer his right hand. Instead, he just awkwardly slapped me a high-five with his left hand. Maybe he sensed that I was going to ask about his nails. Right you were, Meric.
Check out his nails. Acrylic, no? FRICTION agrees.
The Dodos' high-energy show went by quickly, with little to no transition in between songs. I feel like the set was a decent length, at least 10-12 songs. But, they didn't play "Winter," which is one of my favorites. In general, they didn't showcase many slower songs, such as "Park Song" and "Winter." These songs would have balanced out the show a little more, adding some variety to the high-energy set. But, hey, maybe the Dodos enjoy sweating it all out. And, let me tell you, their perfermance was impressive as hell. The way that they were squeezing in the rapid notes and beats reminded me of Charlie Parker's famous improvisations (FYI, Charlie Parker was one of the first so-called hipsters). Meric and Logan are true virtuosos of their instruments.
The Dodos are currently on tour with Joe Haener (on percussion and xylophone) as their third band member. They return to New York on July 19 for the Village Voice's Siren Festival, as confirmed by brooklynvegan. They're also playing Pitchfork Music Festival the next day in Chicago. Man, these guys are busy.
No Kids and Silje Nes opened for the Dodos. I'll be putting up a post on No Kids soon.
If you have the setlist for this show, please leave a comment. Thanks! Check out my past post for more songs.
The Season - The Dodos
Park Song - The Dodos
The Ball - The Dodos
Chickens - The Dodos
April 5, 2008
Dirty on Purpose - Mercury Lounge 04.04.08
Yes, that is a nipple on that bottle.
I first heard of Dirty on Purpose back in 2006 when they were on the line-up for The Village Voice's Siren Music Festival. Stars, one of my favorite bands, were co-headlining the festival with the Scissor Sisters, so I trekked my way down to Coney Island. However, I didn't get there early enough to catch Dirty on Purpose.
To be honest, the show didn't live up to my expectations. Mainly, the instrumentals were just way too loud, and the vocals were too soft. I really think everything could have sounded a lot cleaner instead of being so muddled. It's really a shame because some of their recorded stuff is quite good. Also, they didn't perform "Girls and Sunshine," which is by far my favorite Dirty on Purpose song. In fact, they didn't play any of their really old stuff from their debut EP, Sleep Late for a Better Tomorrow. Maybe my lack of excitement for the opening acts led me to become less enthusiastic about the headline. I thought I would be more appropriately rewarded for standing through a couple painful acts. All I have to say about the opening acts is that...having an experimental style does not mean you have to make music that sounds bad.
Dirty on Purpose recently released two EPs, Like Bees and Dead Volcanoes. Dead Volcanoes is available for free download at RCRDLBL.com.
Setlist
These Days (?)
Audience
Light Pollution
Hard to Tell You
Leaving
Always Looking
Marfa Lights
The Thing about Getaways
Ways to Drown
Canned Fumes
Girls and Sunshine
Hard to Tell You - Dirty on Purpose
Audience - Dirty on Purpose
March 30, 2008
Fleet Foxes - Bowery Ballroom 03.29.08
Bow on the guitar for "Drops in the River."
Most recent Bowery show (07.09.08) post here.
When I see a band like Fleet Foxes perform, I am reminded of why I love music in the first place and why I started this blog. If you haven't heard of this band, you are really missing out. Last night, Fleet Foxes opened for Blitzen Trapper at Bowery Ballroom. But, I went there exclusively for Fleet Foxes and left before the headlining act. I blogged about Fleet Foxes earlier, so I had to check out the show. Thankfully, I bought tickets early before the show sold out.
I was surprised by how engaged I was by FF's entire performance. Granted, the music is fantastic, but I thought I might be bored at the show. Besides the music, which was even better live, Fleet Foxes is one of the friendliest, most personable bands I've ever seen. I feel like most bands mutter a "thank you" in between songs...or they say nothing at all. Although one guy in the audience yelled out, "Less talk, more rock," I really enjoyed the band's comments and stories (about the NY subway, parking tickets). It really kept me captivated and I felt like I was getting to know the band better, which only made me like them even more.
Lead singer Robin Pecknold started out the night by telling the audience that he was sick with the flu (it was his 22nd birthday, too) and requested us to be less judgmental (HAH, like NYers are capable of that). He may have had a cup of tea on hand, but there was no way that man had been puking all day; the 5-member band sounded perfect. Throughout the set, Fleet Foxes were completely shocked and confused by the warm response they were receiving from the crowd. They kept on telling us how "sweet" and "nice" we were. I think they were forgetting that the New York crowd is not sweet or nice; we're brutally honest. When Robin played the intro to "English House" and people cheered, he was like, "Really? You know this one?" Yea, man. I do know that one. It's only my favorite song of the moment.
Don't let the genre and tempo of the music fool you. Fleet Foxes put on an intense, exciting show. The band has an amazing coordination with each other, and I really loved the usage of rich 3-part and 4-part harmonies. In fact, for "Mykonos," there is a one-beat drum intro (8th note) before Robin comes in on the guitar. And, they do it without looking at each other. Crazy.
Old mandolin, to be smashed. Ultimately, the instrument was not smashed to pieces. The band gave it away to someone in the crowd.
The new mandolin played during "Blue Ridge Mountains." Check out the mandolin bit around 2:05.
Setlist (Thanks to the anonymous comment!)
SUN GIANT /
SUN IT RISES /
DROPS IN THE RIVER / (MEDLEY)
ENGLISH HOUSE
KATIE CRUEL (TRAD.)
WHITE WINTER HYMNAL
YOUR PROTECTOR
OLIVER JAMES
MYKONOS
BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS
See my past post for more songs. Fleet Foxes will be releasing a self-titled LP on June 3rd. For now, you can buy Sun Giant from Sub Pop or from Insound.com. Check out the mandolin bit in "Blue Ridge Mountains" around 2:05.
Ragged Wood - Fleet Foxes
White Winter Hymnal - Fleet Foxes
Oliver James - Fleet Foxes
Blue Ridge Mountains - Fleet Foxes
March 23, 2008
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down - Sound Fix Records 03.23.08
Blogged about Thao back in February. I was lucky enough to catch Thao with The Get Down Stay Down at Sound Fix Records in Williamsburg. And, it was free (donations welcome)! Thao filled this cozy venue on a sunny Easter afternoon, with most people sitting at small tables or large, pew-like booths. And, yes, Thao commented on the appropriateness of the pews on this particular day.
I was surprised by how much energy this hand-clapping, feet-stomping folk band had on a (holy) Sunday afternoon. Of course, the beer and wine probably helped. Also, surprisingly, Thao had some great commentary between songs. For one, the crowd and the venue reminded her of RENT; she expected us to break out in "La Vie Boheme" at any second. Before performing "Bag of Hammers" (I think), she told us that if we wanted to break out in choreographed dance, this song would be the one for it. The best story was about a recent show they played at a college. Apparently, the venue was a student-run, converted garage-stage. And by garage-stage, she meant that the cars were taking out of the garage. Anyway, while they were playing "Swimming Pools," some girls in the front took off their shirts and were dancing like they were in Cancun. The irony is that the song is about the exact opposite of that.
Thao with The Get Down Stay Down played the Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight. They are currently on tour with Xiu Xiu.
***At the request of Thao's record label, Kill Rock Stars, I've taken down the posted songs. Instead, I've put up some songs from Thao's Daytrotter session. Check out Thao's myspace and my past post for more music.
Fear and Convenience (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
Big Kid Table (Daytrotter) - Thao with The Get Down Stay Down
March 18, 2008
Cut Copy
A part of my soul is crying right now. A bit dramatic? Yes, maybe just a little bit, but I just missed seeing Cut Copy at Mercury Lounge (also my favorite venue) tonight. A few weeks ago, I tried looking for tickets to the sold-out show. But, when eBay cruelly informed me that I did not win the tickets, I gave up; I bought tickets home to Chicago. At the very least, I wouldn't have to be in the same city while missing the show. Thankfully, when Cut Copy announced another New York show in May, I immediately bought tickets. I may have to wait another two months, but at least I will finally experience them.
So, who is this band that unknowingly broke my heart? Cut Copy is a 3-member band from Melbourne, Australia, and their music is reminiscent of 80s dance. You may think that other bands have already done what Cut Copy is doing now and have done it better, but who doesn't love retro music?
I was initially introduced to Cut Copy years ago when I downloaded "Saturdays" from Insound.com. Now, with the release date of their sophomore album approaching, I've been hearing "Lights & Music" over and over again from many different places. And, well, the song is kinda awesome. Cut Copy posted In Ghost Colours on their myspace a couple days ago. I haven't listened to the whole thing yet, but I like what I hear so far. "Far Away" is my current favorite.
Cut Copy stopped by Austin, TX for a couple shows, and it seems like In Ghost Colours is going to be well-received. I noticed them on a couple lists in the Guide to Pitchfork's SXSW 2008 Coverage.
Don't miss the next Cut Copy show and be heartbroken like I am right now. Cut Copy plays the Bowery Ballroom on May 14. I will be the girl in the front, dancing like crazy.
Far Away - Cut Copy
Lights & Music - Cut Copy
Hearts on Fire - Cut Copy
That Was Just a Dream - Cut Copy
Saturdays - Cut Copy
February 10, 2008
Hot Chip - Made In the Dark
This is the best time to blog...4 AM after a Saturday night. Anyway, everyone is blogging about Hot Chip's new album so I might as well put in my 2 cents. I'll keep it short and sweet.
Hot Chip played a show here last week and I just didn't get the hype. I mean, I possibly still don't understand. All I know now is that I keep on listening to "Ready for the Floor," and I keep on watching the video. Catchy? Hell yes. Catchy enough to want to see them live in April when they return to NYC. Also, I am very intrigued by brooklynvegan's review of the Hot Chip show. Apparently, the show was "perfect." If that truly is the case, I will probably make it out to the infamously terrible venue that is Terminal 5.
I first heard Hot Chip when they were out with their ridiculously addicting single, "Over and Over." And, honestly, Made In the Dark doesn't have another "Over and Over" on its tracklist. However, the new album is definitely repeatable. Overall, I think that Made In the Dark is a better album in that I am able to put more than a few tracks on repeat. Therefore, the entire album leaves a more lasting impression on me. While The Warning had some great singles, I found myself not wanting to listen to the rest of the album.
So does it bother me that I listen to Hot Chip on my ipod, only to hear the same songs when I walk into Urban Outfitters? I'll excuse it this time.
Also, are we really surprised by Pitchfork's review? Oh, Pitchfork. How I still read you, even though you are quite absurd at times.
Check out Hot Chip when they come to Terminal 5 on April 12.
Sorry, the Hot Chip songs got taken down. Check out their myspace. Don't miss "Bendable Poseable."
January 27, 2008
Jack Peñate
I normally don't like bubbly music, but I've been finding myself humming along with Jack Peñate. While Peñate's rockabilly songs reach my pop music limitation, his upbeat music is rather infectious. After seeing him play Mercury Lounge last week for the US release of his album Matinee, I think it's easy to see that his personality perfectly matches his music. He said it himself: "I'm like a 12-year-old." Well, he definitely has the excitability of a young boy, even at the age of 23. I've never seen anyone jump around so much while playing the guitar! I have to admit, his jumping was a little dangerous. I was in the front and Peñate almost hit me with his guitar, NO JOKE. But for a solo act (backed by a drummer and a bassist), Peñate does his best to entertain with a little bit of craziness.
Signed onto XL Recordings (Thom Yorke, MIA, Vampire Weekend), Peñate is already well-known in the UK indie scene. Wikipedia has informed me that Peñate has been topping the indie charts overseas. Unsurprisingly, the show was filled with music execs, bloggers, and many devoted British fans. Apparently, his shows in the UK are quite pricey, nothing compared to the $10 that I paid to see him. After the show, he spent a lot of time talking to everyone who approached him.
The accent is pretty charming, but will Jack Peñate be the next hot UK import?
Got My Favourite - Jack Peñate
Have I Been A Fool? - Jack Peñate
Learning Lines - Jack Peñate
January 21, 2008
Die Romantik - Mercury Lounge 01.19.08
***EDIT*** As of February 20, 2008, Die Romantik is no more. I truly feel heartbroken.
When I went to the Apes & Androids show at Mercury Lounge this past Saturday, I had no idea I would discover Die Romantik (literally pronounced "Die Romantic"), my new favorite discovery. During a time when experimental bands such as Battles and Animal Collective are reappearing on many "Top Albums of 2007" lists, I think that we under-appreciate music that is simply meant to be beautiful. Before Die Romantik's performance, I don't remember the last time I felt so involuntarily moved by music. Whenever I stumble upon a band like DR, I am reminded that music really can serve as a powerful art form. I was lucky enough to meet the band afterwards and personally tell them how much I enjoyed their set.
A three-piece band, Die Romantik is Eric (Columbia alum, Philosophy major!), Dominic, and Olivier. The three met in France while attending high school. Eric came to New York for school, and the other two eventually followed suit. They currently reside in Brooklyn (I feel like I find myself saying this a lot). Narcissist's Waltz, their debut album, was released last year and can be purchased on iTunes, Insound, and on their website. Songwriting credits are split evenly, and I also believe that each member's vocals are featured equally, which is pretty rare. I'm kicking myself for not picking this album up at the show.
The charm of DR's music is that it is pleasing to hear and still unlike anything else that I'm listening to. While I had read on Oh My Rockness that Die Romantik's sound is similar to that of Beirut, Eric pointed out that they actually don't have any indie rock influences. DR is primarily influenced by classical music and French artists such as Jacques Brel and Serge Gainsbourg (whose daughter is Charlotte Gainsbourg). This actually surprised me because I had no idea who these French artists were and what characterizes their music. Still, I think Die Romantik appeals to anyone who appreciates captivating music.
As the comment to my previous post points out, Die Romantik's sound and performance strikingly contrasts that of Apes & Androids. Although DR may not have A&A's theatrical presence, complete with costumes, they are not any less exciting to experience. Yes, the majority of Die Romantik's music is mid-tempo and the band members aren't jumping around all over the place. The stage was lightly decorated with a simple "dr" light and each member was illuminated with three very cool incandescent lamps (captured in the photos above). But, I feel that the seemingly sparse visuals are not an accident. Die Romantik's stage presence allows for the audience to truly indulge themselves in the music they are experiencing, free of any distractions.
On top of their incredible talents, Die Romantik is unbelievably humble. After one of the songs, my best friend enthusiastically said aloud, "That was really good." Yes, she may have said it a little too loudly for the comment to remain private, and there was some giggling from the crowd. My friend may have looked a little embarrassed until Dominic sweetly answered, "Thank you."
This band is amazing. Do yourself a favor and check out their myspace for more. Perhaps Pitchfork would not have given music a 6.8 if Die Romantik had been reviewed.
Narcissist's Waltz - Die Romantik
La Belle Musique de Chambre - Die Romantik
January 20, 2008
Apes & Androids - Blood Moon
I don't think that you know what girls from the Midwest are all about... - from "Golden Prize"
I'm not going to lie. I'm sorta obsessed with this band. Last night, New York saw the release of Blood Moon, Apes & Androids' long-awaited debut album. A&A are a 5-piece band that is led by David Tobias and Brian Jacobs (CU alum, Neuroscience major!), the duo that was formerly Call Florence Pow. By far, A&A are one of the most unique bands that I've come across in awhile. Glam rock is back, better than ever.
The true beauty of A&A is that while they definitely have glam rock influences, I don't find their music to be predictable. The first A&A song I had heard was "Golden Prize." Immediately, I was reminded of Queen and I assumed the rest of their music would follow suit with the same operatic, dramatic, very complex feel. So, I was completely taken back when I heard "Nights of the Week," one of my favorite tracks off of Blood Moon. While the sound is distinctively A&A, it's still a little hard to believe that this mid-tempo song belongs to the same band. This band is definitely not a one-trick pony.
If you have the opportunity to see A&A, don't hesitate on your decision to go. There is a reason why every review of their shows insists that they are not to be missed. A&A is definitely one of the best live shows that I've ever seen. They pack the punch of Of Montreal's Kevin Barnes X 5, for each member of the band. Before last night's record release show, I looked around on youtube for videos of their performances. By chance, I came across the video below. For a show at the Knitting Factory, A&A collab'd with NYURI, NYU's Korean drum troupe, for their performance of "Hot Kathy." I was watching the video when I realized that I recognized one of the drummers. On this small island of Manhattan, he is a bar manager at PDT. Apparently, a co-bartender (who is also former college suitemate) was the drummer for Call Florence Pow and was a part of a Korean drum troupe. So, the collaboration was not as random as I had believed it to be.
Check out A&A's myspace. There are some great songs on there that I will not be able to post. You can purchase their album on iTunes or here.
I think it's safe to say that last night's performances were epic. The opening acts, Die Romantik and Sigmund Droid were both impressive and not to be missed. I will be blogging about them in the next couple days so come back to check them out.
We Don't Understand You - Apes & Androids
Radio - Apes & Androids
Nights of the Week - Apes & Androids
Riverside - Apes & Androids
Golden Prize - Apes & Androids
December 3, 2007
!!! (Chk Chk Chk)
!!! (commonly pronounced "chk chk chk") is a band from Brooklyn, NY (surprise, surprise) that I found through Insound.com. This was probably around the time they released their most recent album, Myth Takes. Judging by that album, I knew that their live show would be a crazy dance feast, the best kind of concert. Sure enough, when I went to their show at Webster Hall in October, I got exactly what I expected. I was in the front, and I even danced with the lead singer, Nic Offer, through the iron wall that separates the fans from the stage.
***Side story: Nic Offer rhetorically asked, "Who puts on a better show than us?" Some girl yelled out, "BATTLES!!" I gave her the look of death. I've experienced Battles, and I was sorta confused by what I had witnessed. But, I guess the recorded album is equally as confusing. It's not that I hate them... I just don't particularly enjoy them. Sometimes, I'll listen to a song and think, "Wow, this isn't bad." And then the synthesized voice of Tyondai Braxton (aka Alvin and the Chipmunks) comes in, and I am rendered speechless. However, for whatever reason, I like "Atlas." Their next single is to be "Tonto," which THANKFULLY does not feature any vocals.
Anyway, back to !!!.
Their first single off Myth Takes was "Must Be the Moon," which I can only describe to be infectious. The story that the singer tells is classic: One-night stand with an unpleasant morning-after. Guy wakes up to girl who doesn't want to give him her number. Lesson of his story? Don't blame the music, blame it on the moon. The music video matches the song pretty well. Rituals at a house party? Definitely the influence of the moon.
I dare you to listen to "Must Be the Moon" and not dance in your chairs.
Must Be The Moon - !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
Heart of Hearts - !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
Bend Over Beethoven - !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
